Essex Police take prejudice-based crime seriously and we want all incidents to be reported. It is important to let us know about hate crime to give us a chance to investigate and prosecute offenders and to ensure that you and the wider community are protected.
Whatever your background, it is important to remember that if you are the victim of hostility or prejudice, you are not to blame. Everyone has the right to live their life free from abuse and violence whoever they are. You don’t have to live with hate crime and we are here to help.
We cannot deal with the problem unless it is reported to us so we would encourage you to contact us whether you are experiencing hate crime or you know someone who is. Report it to sort it!
Call 101 to report all non-urgent cases. If you or anyone else is in immediate danger call 999 or 112.
What can we do for you?
All incidents that are defined as hate crime are referred to a specialist team of officers.
These specialist Hate Crime Officers (HCOs) have established links with other criminal justice agencies, as well as many public and voluntary sector organisations, that are able to provide you with support and advice.
HCOs and local community groups will work together to solve problems treating all victims of crime in a professional and sensitive manner. We understand your concerns regarding confidentiality and will consult with and advise you through every step of the investigation.
We will explain the investigation process and give you sufficient information the help you decide what you want to do. Above all we will stay in touch and provide contact details where you can get the support you need.
How else can I report hate crime?
Our growing network of community based Hate Incident Reporting Centres (HIRCs) are able to provide advice, support and reporting facilities. Please visit the HIRC page for more information.
If you don’t feel able to contact police directly, you can report confidentially via the True Vision website where you do not have to leave your details. However, this will limit any action we can take against offenders.
True Vision, a website that launched in February 2011, allows visitors to report hate crime using a form that is automatically delivered to the relevant police force.
You can also report crime anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0000 555 111